How much does it Cost to Replace the Exhaust System?

Introduction

The exhaust system of your car is just like a trash manager but for gas. An exhaust system is used in vehicles to improve the overall driving experience by reducing noise and noxious fumes.

An exhaust system is like a device that removes gas by combustion within a stove or engine. It consists of several exhaust pipes and gases that burn from the engine. It expels and purifies the toxic gases away from the driver.

Exhaust system replacement

Replacement of the exhaust system is usually required for older vehicles or depends on your car’s exhaust system’s condition. It is neither an inexpensive nor a fun task to do. Always keep visiting automotive repair shops for timely service of your car.

Wondering how much it cost to replace an exhaust system?

Stay with us till the end to know everything about an exhaust system and its replacement.

Generally, the cost of an entire exhaust system replacement ranges from $300 to $1200. It also depends on the current condition of your exhaust system as well as the model of your car. The average cost is approximately $750. It can vary according to the quality of replaced material and the car mechanic shop as well.

Installing a new exhaust system also depends on the system type that is to be replaced. Make sure to get a complete detailed diagnosis of the exhaust system when you visit the nearest automotive repair shop. Sometimes there is a fault only in a part of your exhaust system so the car mechanic will not have to do a full exhaust system replacement.

A car exhaust system includes the following parts:

• Manifold
• Oxygen sensor
• Tailpipe
• Catalytic converter
• Exhaust tips
• Resonator
• Muffler
• And Exhaust pipes.

Costs to replace various parts of an exhaust system

1. Manifold

The exhaust manifold is the first and one of the most important components of an exhaust system. It is usually made up of stainless steel or cast iron which is connected to the head of the cylinder.

The manifold is the part that takes away hazardous gases from the vehicle. Depending on the car model, it can have 2 manifolds as well on both sides of the engine. The manifold made up of cast iron has less life compared to stainless steel manifold which works better in varying temperatures but costs more.

The average cost in a mechanic shop for the replacement of the manifold is approximately $500 with labour charges. The manifold is expensive and time taking part to replace. It takes around 1-4 hours to replace the exhaust manifold.

2. Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor of an exhaust system is fitted into the exhaust pipe. The main responsibility of an oxygen sensor is to keep a track of the oxygen present in the exhaust.
The average replacement cost of an oxygen sensor can range between $286-$316 with an extra labour cost of $50-$200 in an automotive repair shop.

3. Tailpipe

Tailpipe is simply an exit in the rear part of the exhaust system which helps in expelling gases from your vehicle. The replacement cost of a tailpipe is approximately $50-$200. Contact your car mechanic to know the more detailed cost of replacement.

4. Catalytic Converter

As the name says, the catalytic converter simply converts toxic gases to make them less harmful to the vehicle’s occupant. Replacing the catalytic converter can cost you a lot as the parts used in the construction of its interior are very expensive. Excluding the labour cost which depends on the mechanic shop, it can cost you around $500-$2000 depending on the car model and the converter’s condition.

5. Exhaust Tips

Exhaust tips are fitted at the end of the tailpipe to give the exhaust system a finished and definitive look. People use exhaust tips of various diameters and lengths for a particular sound while driving. It can change the sound but you will need to replace the muffler as well for an extreme change in the sound. The cost of replacing an exhaust tip depends on the type of the tip. Some commonly used exhaust tips are single wall, dual wall, turndown exit, intercooler, and angle cut. The average replacement cost of an exhaust tip is between $50-$200.

6. Resonator

The resonator in an exhaust system is situated between the muffler and the catalytic converter. It is used to lower the high-pitched noise in the exhaust system before it can reach the muffler.

The replacement cost of the resonator depends on the brand, quality of the material, age of your vehicle, and model. The average replacement cost of a resonator is approximately $50-$200. You can quickly get it replaced by an exhaust auto shop.

7. Muffler

The muffler is one of the most crucial parts of an exhaust system. It works to reduce the noise coming out of the exhaust engine. It is usually made of steel and can easily absorb the noise from motor combustion. It diverts the noise from the motor so that your vehicle can run smoothly.

Typically the replacement cost of a muffler is between $50-$200. The average cost is $70. It can go up depending on how much labour cost the car mechanic charges.

8. Exhaust pipes

An exhaust pipe is used to connect the different parts of an exhaust system. The length/size of the exhaust pipe can vary according to the model and structure of your car.

Types of exhaust systems

1. Single exit system

A single exit exhaust system is one of the most common and affordable exhaust systems. As the name suggests, it has only one exit pipe attached to the side of the passenger seat. This type of exhaust system is usually installed in new cars and trucks. If you are looking for an affordable exhaust system replacement, a single exhaust system can be a good option for you.

2. Dual exit system

The dual-exit exhaust system looks similar to the single exhaust system except it has 2 exits on opposite ends of the car. It is used to give your car a more rich and more sporty look. The dual exit exhaust system is robust which makes your engine more powerful. So if you love a great sound and luxurious design, a dual exit exhaust system is for you.

3. Dual side system

The dual exit exhaust system has 2 pipes located near each other. It is used for more effective release of gases and provides higher performance for your vehicle.

4. Opposite Dual System

The opposite dual exhaust system is installed in heavier vehicles that are used for towing. This exhaust system is installed around the wheel having a bend for extra filtering of gases. These are used in vehicles where the dual rear system cannot bend properly.

5. High-Performance system

High-performance exhaust systems are the most expensive ones. They do the job of filtering toxic gases more efficiently than the other exhaust systems. They are known for improving the engine and the vehicle’s overall performance by creating more oxygen and reducing waste.

Signs your car’s exhaust system needs replacement

• If you see rust on the exhaust system, it is a sign that it should be replaced.
• Your vehicle is producing louder noise than usual.
• If you see any holes or cracks in the system, it can cause gas leakage which can get inside the vehicle which is very risky and harmful.
• If there is a restricted air flow and your engine is choking, your car will not start smoothly which means it is time to visit a car body repair shop.
• If your car is needing more fuel than usual or your car is stalling, it is a sign that you should get your car’s exhaust system replaced.

If you see any of these signs, visit the nearest car repair shop ASAP.

Conclusion

The exhaust system is one of the most important and overlooked parts of your vehicle. It is highly recommended to contact an exhaust auto shop as soon as you feel there is something wrong with your exhaust.

The exhaust system replacement can be expensive but you can cut down the cost by making sure that your car mechanic does a detailed inspection so you can know if your exhaust system has some faulty parts or it needs a full replacement. Also, look out for the above-mentioned signs so you can get the exhaust system replaced at the earliest to save a few bucks.